Good new games in abundance

GLENN RUBENSTEIN

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, March 15, 1997

LOOK ON the bright side, gamers: Christmas is only nine months away. Surprisingly, though, a lot of bigger titles are coming out, and there is something for everyone. Here is a look at the hottest titles in video games this week, all available now.

Turok (Acclaim for the N64)

Based on the 1950s comic book, Turok puts players into a prehistoric setting against some of the most vicious creatures ever seen. In this first-person 3-D adventure, players must fight dinosaurs and warriors in a jungle environment. N64 owners who have been waiting for an action title won't be disappointed by this game in the least - there is so much going on that it is hard to keep up at times. The graphics, sound and gameplay make this a must-own N64 game (but then again, aren't they all?). Violence-shy parents beware though - even though you can turn the blood off, Turok has a lot in the way of killing throughout its various levels.

Sony brings the latest and greatest in hoop action home with NBA Shootout 97, an update to its popular sports title of last year. The 3-D graphics have been vastly improved in this version, and the sound is top-notch as well. The passing system has also been overhauled, and utilizes the same "icon-based" system that NHL Faceoff 97 did (where each player represents an icon on the control pad, resulting in more accurate passes). Basketball fans who own a Playstation will not want to be without this game - its mix of action and realism make it a must-own.

Overall: A

Spider (BMG Interactive for Playstation)

A unique 3-D platform game, Spider puts players in the role of an arachnoid who must pass safely through a variety of hazardous levels. The plot is reminiscent of a bad '50s movie (you're a scientist trying to become human again), but unlike recent 3-D platform games such as Mario and Crash Bandicoot, this game is less character-based and relies heavily on action - once you start playing you don't really stop.

There are 32 levels in this game, and each is quite challenging and addictive. Once you pick this game up, you'll realize it's one of the better platform games out there today. True gamers looking for a slick-looking

"old school" game should pick this one up.

Overall: B+

In non-game news, it was announced this week that the Sony Playstation is now $149. This definitely heats up the competition between Nintendo and Sony and makes gamers' decisions a bit tougher as to which system to buy. For the time being, the Playstation has 150-plus games, and the majority of them are good.

The N64, on the other hand, has about a dozen games, all of which are impressive both in terms of graphics and gameplay, but the system costs $199. Rumors are already surfacing about Nintendo dropping its price as well, but nothing has been announced yet. Either way, each system should keep gamers happy in the coming months.&lt;